Wound Healing Potential of Citrus Maxima (Rutaceae) Methanolic Leaf Extract Cream and Ointment Formulation on Excised Cutaneous Wounds in Mice

Wound healing is a crucial aspect of healthcare, particularly for individuals with chronic wounds or those at risk of infection and delayed tissue repair. Conventional treatments, including antiseptics and synthetic medications, can be costly, less accessible in low-resource settings, and may cause side effects. As a result, there is growing interest in plant-based alternatives with traditional medicinal applications. Citrus maxima (pomelo), from the Rutaceae family, is traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes. Its leaves contain phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These attributes may enhance wound healing by promoting tissue regeneration, reducing infection, and controlling inflammation. This study investigates the wound-healing activity of a 50% methanolic leaf extract of C. maxima formulated into cream and ointment preparations. A full-thickness excision wound model was used in male albino mice. The test groups were compared to a negative control (petroleum jelly) and a positive control (10% povidone-iodine). Safety of the formulations was evaluated following OECD 402 acute dermal toxicity guidelines. Results showed that the 50% C. maxima ointment group achieved the most rapid wound healing, with complete closure observed by Day 14. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) for wound contraction was lowest in this group (97.6 mm2·days), compared to 109.3 mm2·days for the positive control and 187.1 mm2·days for negative control. Statistical analysis using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test revealed significant improvement over the negative control and comparable efficacy to the standard treatment. These findings highlight C. maxima’s potential as a safe, effective, and accessible natural agent for wound healing.